So today my Dad sends me a note. He is leaving Minnesota for a week or so to go fishing on the Texas/Mexico border. It's probably his group of guys that go off golfing, hunting or fishing together. Odds are pretty good that there will be little shaving or showering while he is away. You would have to say this is a guys thing he is doing. There are no hard feelings here. He always enjoyed fishing almost as much as his brother. My only worry is he is very dark skinned with black hair. He will probably be mistaken for a fishing guide who resides locally. Let's hope he can get back to Minnesota without too much legal wrangling. I know he will have a great time no matter how many fish he does or does not catch.

We all have favorite things in our life. By now you probably know what mine are. My daughter enjoys a few shows on television. Her tastes do run a little different than mine with the exception of "Lost." It will have its final 16 episodes starting in January. We will keep following the story there as we have every year since it began. This year, one of her favorite shows is "Glee." Think of it as a kinda grown up "High School Musical." I enjoy the show as well but nowhere near to the zeal she has. We may have to consider a 12 step program for her at this rate. But to be fair, the musical numbers really are top shelf. Some of the story lines may not be as biblical as some would want but it is a very good show.

This Sunday my assignment is to work the show into the sermon. Thank goodness the topic isn't something depressing or finding a reason to even utter the word glee would be a challenge. It could be that the phrase may end up in the printed sermon outline if that comes together. Maybe the concept of just enjoying something whether it is a program or fishing can be weaved into the remarks. But you can be assured that my daughter's wishes will be fulfilled. She may be 17 but she is still my little girl.

The overall topic for Sunday will concern caring for others enough to share your faith. It might be appropriate to ask if we are "gleeful" for the gospel? Most people think of the faith as just attending church. We don't consider faith as something to be enjoyed as much as going to endure another church service. Jesus models real joy in His life. Doing the will of God was not something to simply be endured. He embraces the unique call on His life then lives it out with abundance. This obviously does not mean that life was always easy. It means that His relationship with His Father was one of real love. This is why He can exclaim at the end of earthly life "it is finished." His life was not just poured out at the cross. It was given each day of His life. He didn't just come to the end of His days but He made those days matter.

There is honestly some glee in my preparation this week. My sermon is connected to a real relationship with my oldest child. Hopefully, the message is also connected to an authentic relationship with God. Maybe anyone who listens will decide to live dangerously with real passion on a daily basis. Now that would make God indeed rejoice with glee.

Bro. Trey